In May 2025, Le Chéile Mentoring was proud to be part of the CoPPer (European Volunteering in Probation) transnational training event held in Lisbon, Portugal. This European initiative is much more than a project—it’s a movement to value the vital role that volunteers and communities play in the rehabilitation of people who have committed crimes.
Building Bridges Across Borders
CoPPer brings together a coalition of organisations across Europe—from civil society, probation services, academia, and volunteer networks. The shared goal: to co-develop a new training manual, increase volunteer engagement in probation and deepen the recognition of how community involvement contributes to the journey towards a crime-free life.
Delegates from Ireland, Portugal, Austria, and the Netherlands gathered in Lisbon for the training, joined virtually by colleagues in Romania and Japan. From Ireland, participants included representatives from the Probation Service, youth justice groups, voluntary groups, and Le Chéile’s very own Rita, a long-serving parent mentor.
During the event, the University College Cork (UCC) team presented key research comparing how different European countries approach volunteering within probation services. These insights laid the foundation for a more unified and collaborative European strategy in volunteer-supported rehabilitation.
Assistant Principal Probation Officer in the Young Persons Probation Service, Ronan McLoughlin attended with Le Chéile parent mentor, Rita McInerney.
“It was a great event to attend, and fantastic to have Rita representing Le Chéile. Some of the other participating countries weren’t familiar with parent mentoring and family support and Rita spoke so highly of its value in a youth justice context.”
“She brought forward a very considered view of volunteering in justice. It wasn’t an overly rosy view or overly negative view; it was very balanced. The wealth and depth of her experience came across and people really valued and listened to what she had to say.”
Rita’s Story: A Personal Journey Towards Powerful Service
Rita has been a volunteer with Le Chéile for twelve years, bringing wisdom, empathy, and deep dedication to her role as a parent mentor. Alongside her career, Rita earned a Humanities degree in Psychology and Sociology. It was during this time that Rita began to truly explore the structural inequalities and emotional challenges that shape people’s lives—especially as parents.
“When I had my children, I planned on being the best parent in the world,” she recalls. “I had enough money, a lovely husband, and two lovely kids, but I realised parenting was still incredibly hard.”
Despite supportive circumstances, Rita found herself struggling. It led her on a personal journey of self-discovery—through study and reflection. She came to a powerful realisation:
“It’s difficult to be a ‘good enough’ parent. You have to put your own mask on first. Your well-being affects your children’s well-being.”
Her insight into the complex realities of parenting—especially when burdened by trauma, poverty, or isolation—ignited a passion to support others.
“I had a support system. But what if you didn’t? What if you were parenting alone, in poverty, with trauma stacked against you? It makes an already complex job even harder.”
That passion led her to Le Chéile, where she has spent over a decade offering empathy, understanding, and practical guidance to parents facing overwhelming challenges.
Connection and Inspiration
Attending the CoPPer training in Lisbon was a profound experience for Rita.
“I don’t always get the chance to spend time with people who share this passion of mine. But when you’re in a room with people from across Europe working towards the same goals, you feel a sense of togetherness. It was truly inspirational.”
Being part of CoPPer reaffirmed Rita’s belief in the power of grassroots connection and mutual learning. Whether it’s within Le Chéile or across borders, when volunteers and professionals come together with compassion and purpose, real change is possible.
Looking Ahead
The CoPPer project will soon publish a training manual for volunteers working in probation settings across the five participating EU countries. This manual will reflect shared learning and innovative models developed through the collaboration. Le Chéile is proud to be part of this vision, ensuring that volunteers like Rita continue to be supported and celebrated.
Through her work and through initiatives like CoPPer, Rita embodies what it means to create hope, foster resilience, and believe in people—no matter where they are on their journey.
